For photo enthusiasts and scrapbookers, the desire for instant, high-quality 4×6 prints is undeniable. While online services like Persnickety Prints offer exceptional quality, sometimes the need for a print is immediate. Many home users have experienced the frustrations of using all-in-one printers for photos, often encountering issues with calibration, print heads, and inconsistent results. This review compares two dedicated 4×6 photo printers: the Canon Selphy CP-900 and the Epson PictureMate Show, to determine which is the best option for instant, at-home photo printing.
Having personally used both the Canon Selphy CP-900, initially purchased as a gift, and the Epson PictureMate Show, based on recommendations for scrapbooking, this comparison is grounded in real-world experience. The Canon Selphy, while convenient and initially appealing for its wireless iPhone printing capabilities, revealed shortcomings over time, particularly in print size accuracy and image crispness when compared to professional lab prints. This led to exploring the Epson PictureMate Show as a potential upgrade for true 4×6 prints and superior image quality.
A side-by-side comparison of the Canon Selphy CP-900 and Epson PictureMate Show printers highlighting their compact designs.
This review is a practical comparison, assessing print quality from both printers using the same image file to highlight the differences. While neither printer is deemed perfect, one clearly outperforms the other in key areas. Furthermore, insights into the setup process for each printer will be shared, based on personal experience.
Both the Canon Selphy CP-900 and Epson PictureMate Show are designed specifically for printing 4×6 photos using proprietary ink and paper packs. They offer similar functionalities such as borderless printing and collage templates, and their print speeds are comparable. The cost per print is also in a similar range, approximately $0.32 for the Selphy and $0.27 for the PictureMate, which is close to the $0.29 per print from Persnickety Prints.
However, a significant difference lies in their price points. The Canon Selphy CP-900 is marketed at a more affordable MSRP of $99, while the Epson PictureMate Show is considerably more expensive at $299. This price disparity raises the question: does the higher price of the Epson PictureMate Show translate to superior performance and justify the investment for users seeking the best 4×6 photo printer?
The test image used for comparing print quality across both the Canon Selphy CP-900 and Epson PictureMate Show printers.
Print Quality: Washed-Out vs. Vibrant
The most striking difference between the Canon Selphy CP-900 and the Epson PictureMate Show is print quality. Prints from the Canon Selphy CP-900 tend to appear washed-out, lacking true black tones due to its dye-sublimation printing process which, while excellent for blending colors, can struggle with deep blacks. While some Selphy prints have been satisfactory, inconsistencies such as streaks and light-leak spots have been observed, indicating potential limitations in achieving consistent, high-quality output. This washed-out aesthetic might be acceptable, even desirable, for Instagram-style prints with filters that emulate a vintage or imperfect look.
In stark contrast, the Epson PictureMate Show delivers prints that are vibrant and significantly crisper. First impressions of prints from the PictureMate Show were overwhelmingly positive, characterized by rich colors and sharp details. No print imperfections were noted in testing. The only minor observation is that the Epson prints exhibit slightly more contrast compared to the original digital image, a characteristic also often seen in professional lab prints. This contrast enhancement generally results in more visually impactful photos.
A direct comparison of print samples from the Canon Selphy CP-900 (left) and Epson PictureMate Show (right) highlighting the color and clarity differences.
The color accuracy and vibrancy of the Epson PictureMate Show are significant advantages for users prioritizing print quality. It’s worth noting that achieving perfect color matching between digital displays and prints is challenging due to the nature of LED-backlit screens. It’s generally recommended to edit photos with screen brightness set to 50% to better approximate print output. Digital images and physical prints are inherently different mediums, necessitating mindful editing for the intended output format.
Setup and Software: Ease of Use vs. Clunkiness
Setting up the Canon Selphy CP-900 is generally straightforward, particularly for wireless printing from devices like iPhones and computers. Installation on Mac OSX, including older versions and upgrades to newer operating systems, has been mostly seamless. The Selphy software is user-friendly and intuitive, contributing to a positive user experience.
The Epson PictureMate Show setup process, however, can be less smooth. While driver installation for newer operating systems like OSX Mavericks was ultimately successful, it was more time-consuming and less intuitive than the Selphy setup, primarily due to unclear instructions. The Epson software interface is also perceived as less refined and more cumbersome compared to the Canon software.
Close-up print samples showcasing the sharpness and detail rendered by the Epson PictureMate Show (left) compared to the Canon Selphy CP-900 (right).
Print Size: True 4×6 vs. Near 4×6
A crucial factor, especially for scrapbookers and projects requiring precise dimensions, is print size accuracy. Canon Selphy CP-900 prints measure approximately 3.94″ x 5.83″, slightly smaller than the standard 4×6 inch format. Additionally, Selphy prints are produced on larger sheets with perforated edges that need to be removed.
Epson PictureMate Show, in contrast, delivers true 4×6 inch prints. This dimensional accuracy is a significant advantage for applications like pocket page scrapbooking and multi-photo layouts where precise sizing is essential. The slightly smaller size of the Selphy prints can become noticeable when placed alongside standard 4×6 elements, making the Epson PictureMate Show a better choice for projects demanding exact dimensions.
A visual representation of the size difference between prints from the Canon Selphy CP-900 and the standard 4×6 inch size, emphasizing the Epson PictureMate Show’s accurate output.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best 4×6 Photo Printer for Your Needs
While neither the Canon Selphy CP-900 nor the Epson PictureMate Show achieves professional lab quality, the Epson PictureMate Show emerges as the superior option for users prioritizing print quality and true 4×6 size accuracy. The vibrant colors, crisp details, and accurate dimensions of the PictureMate Show justify its higher price for serious scrapbookers and photo enthusiasts seeking the best possible 4×6 prints at home.
The Canon Selphy CP-900 remains a viable option for budget-conscious users who value wireless convenience and are less critical about absolute color accuracy and print size. Its affordability and ease of use make it suitable for casual printing and projects where slight color washout and minor size discrepancies are acceptable.
Canon Selphy CP-900: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price point.
- Water-resistant prints.
- Wireless printing capability.
- Compact and portable design.
Cons:
- Washed-out colors and lack of deep blacks.
- Prints slightly smaller than true 4×6 size.
Epson PictureMate Show: Pros & Cons
Pros:
- True 4×6 inch prints.
- Crisp, vibrant images with accurate colors.
- Compact footprint.
Cons:
- Higher price compared to Canon Selphy.
- Prints are not water-resistant.
- Slightly higher contrast, potentially over-saturated for some users.
- Wireless printing requires an optional adapter.
Ultimately, the “best 4×6 photo printer” depends on individual needs and priorities. For users demanding superior print quality and accurate sizing, the Epson PictureMate Show is the clear winner. For those prioritizing affordability and convenience for casual use, the Canon Selphy CP-900 is a reasonable alternative.
